It's nice that that kb article links back to this thread. so much for using the latest/greatest version of install media...
however, when I manually install the offline bundle it reports the following:
Message: The update completed successfully, but the system needs to be rebooted for the changes to be effective.
Reboot Required: true
VIBs Installed: Broadcom_bootbank_scsi-bnx2fc_1.7a.08.v55.1-1OEM.550.0.0.1331820
VIBs Removed: Broadcom_bootbank_scsi-bnx2fc_1.78.76.v50.1-1OEM.500.0.0.469512
VIBs Skipped: Broadcom_bootbank_misc-cnic-register_1.7a.02.v55.1-1OEM.550.0.0.1331820, Broadcom_bootbank_net-bnx2_2.2.5d.v55.2-1OEM.550.0.0.1331820,
Broadcom_bootbank_net-bnx2x_1.7a.10.v55.1-1OEM.550.0.0.1331820, Broadcom_bootbank_net-cnic_1.7a.05.v55.3-1OEM.550.0.0.1331820, Broadcom_bootbank_scsi-
bnx2i_2.7a.03.v55.2-1OEM.550.0.0.1331820
seems like it still won't install the VIBs